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Summary of the Argument.

THE evidence which has been adduced from the apostolic writings for our general argument is multifarious and diversified, but, it is more especially founded on the peculiar doctrines of Christianity, and is so interwoven with their nature, that I do not see how it can be separated from them. Though it does not, perhaps, occur to many to read the Epistles, in any other way, than as they relate to professing Christians; yet, I would hope, that hereafter it will be no more doubted, that the general system of doctrine which they exhibit has a universal reference to the human race; than it is now doubted, that the principles of the Newtonian philosophy hold good to the world at large, whether believed in or not by the majority of mankind.

If, for example, it be "a truth worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners;" it is a truth the worth and value of which cannot de

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pend on the degree in which it is known, any more, than if it be demonstrated, that every thing is subject to the law of gravitation, the influence of that law is left dependent on the degree in which its truth is known or acknowledged. The same observation holds good to all the ascertained doctrines of the Gospel, which are founded not on opinions, but on facts; not on theories or speculations, but on the transactions of God with his creatures.

The writings of St. Paul abound with these large and comprehensive views of the Christian dispensation. He speaks of it as 66 the purpose and counsel of God;" as that "by which and for which are all things." No doubt, he also speaks of that election which peculiarly belonged to the Jews of old, and which is now transferred to the members of the Church. But this does not prevent him from viewing Christ as "the Saviour of the world," and as having given himself a ransom for every man."

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The best and happiest attitude in which we can view this subject, is by connecting its universal importance with its practical

application to ourselves.

"How shall we

escape, if we neglect so great a salvation?" a salvation, equal to the wants of all mankind, but made known only to the believers in Christ. Let us view our advantages, not as mere privileges, but as the most awful and powerful obligations to lead a Christian and a godly life; and, as far as lies in our power, to diffuse the knowledge of these obligations over Pagan nations. But still let us hold fast to the doctrine of Universal Redemption, by boldly and manfully proclaiming that Christ "is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world."

Such also is the doctrine of our Articles: "A sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also for actual sins of men." Art. II. Per Christum æterna vita humano generi est proposita. VII. "The Lamb who should take away the sins of the world." XV. "That perfect redemption, propitiation, and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world, both original and actual." XXXI.

A general Review of the foregoing
Evidence, &c.

HAVING exhibited the Scriptural proofs and arguments for substantiating the conclusion, that the Heathen are rendered universally capable of salvation by the nature and extent of the Christian Dispensation, I shall now proceed to offer some remarks on the general effect of this evidence; and shall conclude, by pointing out the importance of this topic in its relation both to the doctrines and the evidences of the Christian revelation.

And, first, I think it must be admitted, that the general evidence, which has been here brought forward, is of very large and mutifarious amount; that it depends not on a few isolated facts or dubious deductions, but that it is founded on the history, associated with the doctrines, and identified with the nature of the entire Dispensation. It begins with the creation of man, and it ends with the universal judgment; it per

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vades the Patriarchal and the Mosaic economies; it is blended with the life and character of Christ, and is intervoven with all the duties and doctrines which are inculcated in the apostolic writings.

So various is this evidence, that it comprehends almost every species of proof; it is sometimes founded on facts, sometimes on plain and natural inferences; now it is contained in a universal maxim, and now it is deduced from a particular incident. And there is this peculiar advantage attending it, that it has the weight of cumulative testimony, together with the connexion and beauty of a chain of argument. It has the force of synthesis, and the accuracy of analysis. Here are numerous and diversified particulars, all conspiring to the same conclusion; but should any one of these particulars not be approved of, it may be omitted, without detriment to the remainder. Upon the whole, I think it must be acknowledged, that it would be difficult to mention any doctrine of Scripture for which a larger body of multifarious congruities could be produced.

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